Category: Union Territory

Director ULB asks EO Baramulla to recover losses suffered by vendors from erring staff, compensate vendors accordingly

Srinagar, Jan 04: The directorate of Urban Local Bodies Kashmir on Tuesday ordered suspension of all the employees involved in the vandalization of street vendors in Baramulla district and asked the Executive Officer MC Baramulla to recover the losses suffered by the vendors from the erring staff involved in the act.

According to an order, a copy of which lies with Kashmir News Service (KNS) director Urban Local Bodies Kashmir has directed the EO Municipal Council Baramulla to recover the losses suffered by the vendors from the concerned erring staff involved in such inhuman act and compensate the vendors accordingly.

The order reads that a video clip was circulated on the social media, wherein the employees of Municipal council Baramulla were seen destroying the articles and items being sold by the street vendors on their vending carts.

“The scene was quite painful as the concerned staff of the Municipal Council has acted inhumanly with the street vendors. These kinds of practices are bringing bad name to the MC in particular and department as a whole. I am conveying a serious displeasure on this action of the Municipal Council Baramulla,” the order stated.

It stated that EO MC Baramulla is directed to recover the losses suffered by these vendors from the concerned erring staff involved in such inhuman act and compensate the vendors accordingly.

The director has also asked the executive officer that all the concerned staff involved in the brutal action shall immediately be placed under suspension and relieved to this Directorate by today and a detailed report in the matter be furnished to this Directorate through return mail.

Notably, a video of MC Baramulla employees had gone viral on social media, wherein the employees could be seen vandalizing and destroying items of street vendors during an anti-encroachment drive.

The inhuman action evoked widespread condemnation from all sections of the society, while strict action was demanded against the officials involved.

Meanwhile, Director Urban Local Bodies Kashmir, Ms. Mathoora told KNS that she has issued the order and the employees have been placed under suspension. “The employees could have asked the street vendors to vacate the spaces if they were wrong, but not by using forces and vandalizing their items in such a way,” she said. (KNS)

Srinagar, Jan 4: Weatherman on Tuesday issued an ‘orange alert’ as present weather system of snowfall is expected to “intensify”. The weather office has already issued an advisory for snowfall in J& till January 9.

“As expected, weather is overcast in both J&K with widespread light rain/snow and moderate snow over higher reaches,” an official of the MeT office said here told GNS.

“Present weather is likely to intensify as the day progresses. Expect Moderate Snow/Rain in plains and Heavy Snowfall over higher reaches with main activity later tonight and tomorrow in both Jammu and Kashmir.

The weatherman has issued ‘amber/orange warning for “isolated heavy snowfall”.
There are four types of colour codes signifying the level of caution: green which means no action, yellow—situation to be watched), amber –government agencies need to be prepared for severe weather and red –action needed by the agencies.

The weather office has urged people not to venture out on avalanche and landslide prone areas, unless extremely necessary. “Keep power/light backup( in case of power failure),” the MeT office said, adding,”Drive very slowly and in low gear while driving on snow bound area.”

Two successive western disturbances are affecting Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh and adjoining areas till 9th January (forenoon).

Under the influence of these weather systems, the weatherman said that widespread moderate rain and snow was expected in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh regions. “Light rain/snow would commence at a few places of Kashmir from 3rd January evening and thereafter increase in intensity & distribution,” reads the advisory, adding, “Main activity of this system will be occurrence of moderate to heavy rain/snow, most likely during 5th and 8th January and gradual decrease thereafter.”

The system is likely to cause heavy rain and snow mainly in Pirpanjal Range of Jammu Division (from Bhadcrwah to Banihal), upper reaches of Kashmir (Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Baramulla and Kupwara , and Drass subdivision in Ladakh.

Regarding probable impacts, the weather advisory says that there may be disruption of surface and air transport including Jammu- Srinagar Highway, Srinagar-Leh Highway (Zojila Pass), Leh-Manali, Mughal Road, and Sadhna pass.

“(there are) chances of snow avalanches and landslides in vulnerable areas besides disruption of power supply in hilly areas.”
There may be water logging in low lying areas besides further dip in day temperatures, it said.

“People in snow bound areas are to avoid venturing into sloppy areas during heavy snow,” the advisory reads, adding, “People are also advised to maintain proper ventilation.” (GNS)

Srinagar, Jan 03: World witnessed a new name in the field of social activism and philanthropy throughout india a young, dynamic, enthusiastic social activist cum influencer Mr Amir Rashid Wani who is the Chairman of government recognised and approved organization called Mooj kasheer welfare Trust”.Amir formed this organisation with a handful of people in Chandigarh when kashmiri students studying outside Jammu and kashmir were in distress after the Abrogation of Article 370 as the students couldn’t get in touch with their families For months.

His Journey started when a class 11th Kashmiri boy, from Goigam Magam Baramullah decided to accompany his father for his monthly visit to meet a less fortunate family living in the outskirts of his town. He was the typical carefree teenager, living in the moment, enjoying life, till he met this family of 8, living in a small broken-down tin roofed hut. An old father who could hardly see or fend for himself, 6 daughters to be married off. Wife who could barely provide the days meal. Amir’s father would visit this family and help them with whatever he could. This experience impacted the young lads mind and spirit strongly.

He realised how fortunate he was and how, like most of us, he also took his benefits for granted. Seeing the desperate condition of that family, the pain and degradation they were facing, young awakened Amir took a call to reach out to the less fortunate and do what he could. At 17, Amir Rashid Wani experienced his ‘turning point’. Moment. He knew, he had found his path ahead. No one fathomed then, that he would become a role model for thousands of people in the Kashmir Valley, as the youth of a Nation are the trustees of posterity. The only way that we can live is if we grow. The only way we can grow is, if we change. The only way we can change is, if we learn. The only way we can learn is, if we are exposed. And the only way that we are exposed is, if we throw ourselves into the open. And that is what Amir did.

Amir Rashid Wani, has done a tremendous job during COVID-19 pandemic and helped district administration Srinagar and reached to those whose livelihood got hit by lockdown. Various projects were initiated to create covid awareness and distribution of masks. There is no count of the helpless families he supported during the pandemic. Silently he and his army of 100 dedicated social volunteers and friends have been working to bring about a change in society.

He and his organization-Mooj Kasheer Welfare Trust, want to educate the poor and orphans. At present, they are supporting plenty of village schools by arranging books, stationery and school fees. Funds are being arranged through donations for medical care, chemotherapy and other services, free of cost. Amir is tireless striving to arrange ambulances and struggling to see that the wounded reach the hospital on time.

Srinagar, Jan 3: Police on Monday identified the militant killed in Gussu Shalimar as Hafiz alias Hamza of Pakistan.

“He was involved in killing of 2 policemen in Bandipora & after this incident, he shifted to Harwan area of Srinagar,” IGP Kashmir said in a tweet.

Srinagar, January 03: Inspector General of Police Kashmir Vijay Kumar on Monday said that Lashkar-i-Toiba militant Salim Parray was killed in brief shootout in Harwan area of Srinagar.

Quoting IGP Kashmir, the Kashmir Zone Police Tweeted, “Srinagar police neutralised dreaded militant of militant outfit LeT Salim Parray,”.

While as per police operation was still going on in the area when this report was being prepared.(GNS)

Srinagar, Jan 03: Jammu and Kashmir police Monday claimed to have killed a most wanted and dreaded militant of Lashkar-e-Toiba in Srinagar.

Srinagar police neutralised dreaded #terrorist of proscribed #terror outfit LeT Salim Parray along with one FT: IGP Kashmir
Vijay Kumar tweeted as per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO)—(KNO)

Further details awaited

Baramulla, Jan 03: The fruit market had suffered badly since last few months as Iranian apples were “illegally” and freely sold in Indian markets, say those associated with the fruit trade at Asia’s second—largest fruit mandi here in the apple town Sopore area of northern Kashmir.

While seeking the ban on Iranian apples in the country, the traders also staged a protest demonstration on Monday at fruit trade, stating that the import of Iranian apples to india has completely downgraded the fruit industry of Kashmir.

“Since the last few months, it has badly affected our local fruit industry as the apples which were being sold at suitable prices are now being sold at less price. This has left all the fruit traders here worried, “the protesters told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO)

“The apple trade in Kashmir is a biggest trade on which economy of Kashmir runs and if it will be downgraded the business infrastructure of Kashmir will also crumple, “the protesters said.

They said that the Apple industry was already suffering since last fews years due to the Covid-19 lockdown and uncertainty and now importing Iranian apples and sideling local production is not only a headache for us but is affecting us badly.

“The apples coming from the Iran enters market without tax while the same time the local local fruit growers pay their taxes regularly, “Mudasir Ahmad, a local apple trader said, adding that the government should ban it very soon.

Mustafa Jameel another trader said that his fruit business is getting worse with each passing day due to Iranian apples as he had dispatched many apple trucks to Delhi but has got very meager price in return.

The traders also appealed the central government and LG leg administration to ban import of Iranian apples so that the local apple trade won’t suffer—(KNO)

Says Weather System To Hit Road, Surface Traffic; Bring Snow Avalanches; Drop In Day Temperature

Srinagar, Jan 3: Weatherman on Monday issued an advisory for moderate to heavy snowfall in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh from till January 9 and warned about road and aerial traffic disruptions as well as avalanches and drop in day temperature.

“Two Successive Western Disturbances most likely to affect Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh and adjoining areas from 3rd January (late night) to 9th January (forenoon), 2022,” reads the advisory sent by MeT department to divisional commissioners of Kashmir as well as Jammu.

Under the influence of these weather systems, the weatherman said that widespread moderate rain and snow was expected in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh regions. “Light rain/snow would commence at a few places of Kashmir from 3rd January evening and thereafter increase in intensity & distribution,” reads the advisory, a copy of which lies with GNS, adding, “Main activity of this system will be occurrence of moderate to heavy rain/snow, most likely during 5th and 8th January and gradual decrease thereafter.”

It said the system is likely to cause heavy rain and snow mainly in Pirpanjal Range of Jammu Division (from Bhadcrwah to Banihal), upper reaches of Kashmir (Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Baramulla and Kupwara , and Drass subdivision in Ladakh.

Regarding probable impacts, the weather advisory says that there may be disruption of surface and air transport including Jammu- Srinagar Highway, Srinagar-Leh Highway (Zojila Pass), Leh-Manali, Mughal Road, and Sadhna pass.

“(there are) chances of snow avalanches and landslides in vulnerable areas besides disruption of power supply in hilly areas.”

There may water logging in low lying areas besides further dip in day temperatures, it said.

“People in snow bound areas are to avoid venturing into sloppy areas during heavy snow,” it reads, adding, “People are also advised to maintain proper ventilation.” (GNS)

Ganderbal, Jan 03: Authorities on Monday closed Sonamarg-Zojjila road was after upper reaches of Zojila in Ganderbal district of Central Kashmir received fresh snowfall.

Reports reaching the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said that Sonamarg, Menimarg and Drass areas recieved fresh snowfall on Sunday evening.

Traffic official said that keeping in view slippery condition and fresh snowfall, Sonamarg-Zojjila road has been closed as a precautionary measure. “The traffic was temporarily suspended as a precautionary measure to avoid any incident,” he said.

The Becon officials said that men and machinery are on job to restore the traffic—(KNO)